Pistachio

Why is harvest important in an IPM program?

Harvesting early is important for managing navel orangeworm (and thus aflatoxin) and Alternaria late blight. The longer the nuts remain in the orchard after hull split, the more likely you are to have pest damage. If navel orangeworm infestation is severe, the orchard can be harvested twice; once to remove early-ripening nuts and a second time for later-ripening ones. Hull and dry nuts within 24 hours of harvest to reduce incidence of postharvest disease.

Evaluate this year’s pest management program using the processing plant grade sheet to prepare for next year’s program. It can give you information about levels of navel orangeworm, large and small bug damage, and disease infestation levels.

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See our Home page, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance.